Deccan Herald

Mangalore, Aug 19: As part of the Suvarna Karnataka Mahotsava, the Kannada and culture department had proposed to set up Suvarna Karnataka Gadi Bhavanas in all the border districts and taluks of Karnataka. Even Dakshina Kannada district was one of the privileged districts to get Gadi Bhavana.
 
Though the money has been released, unfortunately the identified land is yet to be handed over to the district administration and the work is yet to commence.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Kannada and culture department deputy director H C Rangappa said “the proposed Gadi Bhavana will come up at Permannur in Thokkottu on the outskirts of City. There is 1.56-acre government land in Permannur. We have asked for one acre land for the Gadi Bhavana. Once the land is handed over to the district administration by the Tahsildar, we will begin the work. Tahsildar has assured to hand over the land within 10 days,” he added.

He said the Kannada and Culture department has released Rs 20 lac in March. Union labour minister Oscar Fernandes has assured to release Rs 5 lac, MLA U T Khader has agreed to hand over Rs 10 lac for the purpose.
The remaining amount will be raised from MP, MLA fund. The estimated cost of the Bhavana is Rs 68 lac.
 
Rangappa informed that the rough blueprint of the Bhavana is ready. Once the land is handed over to the district administration, we will finalise it. The Bhavana will have seating capacity of 700 people.

Ullal town municipal council former chairman Dinakar Ullal said, “The proposed Gadi Bhavana should have been completed by November. Will it be completed within three months?” However, he is confident of building a Gadi Bhavan. “If there is scarcity of funds, we will raise it from public,” he added.

Dakshina Kannada district Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Pradeep Kumar Kalkura said: “We lack will power to start the project. If the work on Gadi Bhavana is started, then it will continue on its own. Though we need funds, we can raise it through donations.” There is a need to kick start the project. Even the political leaders should unite leaving aside their political background for the purpose. It is not too late. We can start the work immediately, if the land is sanctioned for the purpose,” he added.